With the heat of the summer, inshore fishing slows somewhat compared to spring and fall. However, in summer many different fish species are available to inshore anglers. Among these are: speckled sea trout, red drum, black drum, flounders, whiting, Spanish and king mackerel, sheepshead, and crevalle jack. As a general rule, summer fishing is better at dusk and dawn. During this time of the year estuaries and coastal waters are filled with a variety of bait fishes and shrimps preyed upon by game fish. As a result, live baits will catch more fish than artificial lures at this time.
In order to help you be as successful as possible on the water, we’ve compiled a list of your go-to fishing essentials.
Quality Rod and Reel
The first and most obvious essential gear is a rod and reel. Inshore anglers benefit from a good all-around, medium power rod that can handle a variety of fishing styles and species. As you develop and focus on specific scenarios and techniques, adding a light or heavy specialty rod is common.
The reel is arguably more important than the rod. A quality spinning reel made for saltwater-specific fishing conditions will last longer than a normal off-the-shelf freshwater reel. A reel that offers an adjustable drag and a smooth casting platform for finesse casting in redfish flats while still having the ability to sink a heavy bait in the deeper water is perfect. Luckily for you, we’ve just launched our Elite Guide Series Spinning Reels!
Sun Protection
Wearing sun protection should be your #1 concern before spending a day on the water. While it’s nice to sunbathe and get a little tan, skin can be damaged quickly when exposed to harmful UV rays. With that in mind, we recommend a lightweight performance hoodie that offers UPF 40+ solar protection to keep you and your skin safe from the elements while being breathable.
The Quick-Dry knit material used allows moisture to evaporate quickly, keeping you cool and making it a perfect piece for those hot, humid days. Underarm gussets help keep movement unrestricted while allowing cool air to flow when casting or poling.
Filet Knife
We recommend always keeping a filet knife with a few plastic bags in your tackle box. Whenever it’s convenient, you are able process your catch on the boat and go home with clean filets ready to cook. Keeping your knife sharp and clean is important and helps keep the filets in tact. Our Stowaway Filet System gives anglers everything they need for harvesting and cleaning their catch no matter the location.
Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Your days on the water tend to last longer (and be more enjoyable) when the sunburns are avoided and the bugs aren’t biting. Wear sun-protective clothing, cover your exposed skin with sunscreen and use bug spray when they are biting. Having these items in your pack saves trips to the car while making it easier to fish a little longer in comfort.
